Employees at Ubisoft Barcelona, one of the studios involved in the development of the recently launched Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, have initiated a three-day strike to protest ongoing layoffs. This action comes despite the game reportedly selling two million copies on its launch day.
The strike, which began on July 14, involves approximately 90 employees and has brought all work at the studio to a standstill. The CSVI, a Spanish union for video game workers, has voiced strong opposition to the cuts, stating, "Enough with the unjustified cuts! No to the layoffs at Ubisoft Barcelona."
Ubisoft Barcelona has supported the development of multiple titles, including Rainbow Six Siege, in addition to its contributions to Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. Layoffs at the studio were first announced in June as part of a broader restructuring at Ubisoft, with an estimated 51 workers impacted.
Negotiations between the union and Ubisoft are ongoing. Strikers are demanding a reduction in the number of layoffs, citing the commercial success of Black Flag Resynced, improved severance packages for those affected, and assurances against further job cuts in the near future. During a previous partial strike following the initial layoff announcement, developers highlighted their work on the remake, which included underwater mechanics, naval quests, and combat AI.
Some developers have shared their mixed emotions on social media, celebrating the game's reception while expressing sorrow over their colleagues' impending departures. "It's been an incredible experience working with such hardworking, talented and amazing people, and we are very glad that players are loving it," a senior tester at Ubisoft Barcelona stated. "Unfortunately, my whole team is being laid off, so we can't fully celebrate it."
As of this report, Ubisoft has not issued a formal response to the striking workers or the CSVI union. While normal operations are expected to resume later this week, the future employment situation at Ubisoft Barcelona remains uncertain pending the publisher's response to the ongoing labor dispute.